---
title: "2-D shapes"
description: "Recognise and name common 2-D shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles including squares)"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/2-d-shapes-mt_KJeEeTutJI
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/2-d-shapes-mt_KJeEeTutJI.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# 2-D shapes

Recognise and name common 2-D shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles including squares)

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Geometry · Ages 4 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/2-d-shapes-mt_KJeEeTutJI

## Ready when they can

- Name a triangle, circle, rectangle, and square when shown them
- Identify a shape correctly regardless of its size or orientation
- Pick out all the triangles from a mixed set of shapes

## Lesson: Naming flat shapes

Flat shapes are all over the Oakfield playground. Each shape has its own name. Today you will learn four names: circle, triangle, rectangle, and square.

*(drawing: The tyre swing is a circle. A circle is round. It has no corners and no straight sides.)*

*(drawing: The roof of the playhouse is a triangle. It has three straight sides and three corners.)*

**Example.** The playground gate is a rectangle. Two of its sides are long and two are short. The sandpit is a square. A square is a special rectangle. All four of its sides are the same length.

A shape keeps its name in any size. A giant square and a tiny square are both squares.

A shape keeps its name when you turn it. Turn a triangle upside down and it is still a triangle.

**Recap.** Circles are round, and squares, rectangles, and triangles have straight sides.

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Defining attributes of shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/defining-attributes-of-shapes-mt_bfhng6mOuy)
- [Flat vs Solid Shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/flat-vs-solid-shapes-mt_mnEVZNkX3p)
- [Composing Shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/composing-shapes-mt_MqqR7VUoz1)
- [2-D shapes (age 6+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/2-d-shapes-age-6-mt_sBcRdUfAzV)
- [Halves & Quarters of Shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/halves-and-quarters-of-shapes-mt_xACS3rWWDp)
- [Combining Simple Shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/combining-simple-shapes-mt_XjwUlmxdCT)
- [Comparing 2-D and 3-D shapes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/comparing-2-d-and-3-d-shapes-mt_yGv8doDAmp)